The Judge David S. Nelson Fellowship provides Boston and Worcester public high school students who have shown leadership potential and academic ability with the opportunity to intern with the judges at the Moakley Federal Courthouse. The program is intended to introduce the students to the administration of justice and to encourage them to emulate Judge Nelson, the first African American District Judge of the District of Massachusetts.

Every year, the court welcomes approximately 10-14 Nelson fellows. The fellows are assigned to an individual judge and assist in that judge’s chambers. In addition, the students attend trials, assist with officer operations and case management, and take courses in subjects such as civil rights, literature, and writing.

Over the course of the summer, the fellows have the opportunity to meet with leaders in the legal community. Last week, they were honored to meet Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross at the BPD Headquarters. The fellows no doubt took away several lessons from speaking with the Chief, and we look forward to seeing them often as they pursue careers in criminal justice.